Thousands of runners donned Santa hats or dressed in special festive attire to take part in a series of free running events across the county.

Special Christmas editions of Parkrun took place in Ashford, Folkestone, Maidstone, Medway, Margate, Malling, Whitstable, Tunbridge Wells and Walmer and Deal seafront.

Festive attire ranged from traditional Santa hats, to the more movement restricting mince pudding oufits and elf costumes.

At Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells, around 400 people joined in the morning run, which organisers says is likely to be a record number.

A post from the volunteers said: “Merry Christmas! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our special Christmas Day parkrun.

“We *think* we may have broken the course record for attendance numbers - results and stats will be available later on today and we’ll share them here tomorrow (Santa’s parkrun elves have some sprouts to peel first).”

Parkrun founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, posted on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today to thank people for their participation.

In a post, he said: "Loneliness is one of the world's biggest problems and this is even more true at this time of year. So I implore you to extend a hand of friendship to a stranger this Christmas, giving a gift that costs you nothing but has such enormous value.

"Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May your days be filled with warmth, happiness, and the exhilaration of a well-earned finish line.

"Thank you for being an integral part of the global parkrun family. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Parkrun began in 2004 and offers free events on Saturdays mornings for everyone, regardless of age or running ability.

They rely on regular volunteers to help out at events where barcodes are scanned to record run times and other data. To find out more about how to take part or get involved click here.

The 5km courses are held in parks or recreational grounds and can be run socially, competitively or as a club training session.